A windy day

Today Jack really kept asking to go "outguide" which is outside to him. Well I finally gave in even though my sinus headache is horrible with the wind and all. I sure got some cute ones of him though. He is so quick on the move now that it's hard to catch him still. Katy tried to pose for me but the wind was too strong. She's a cutie no matter what the hair is doing to try to cover her up. Enjoy!

Disneyland Birthday

It was fun to go to Disneyland on Carter's birthday since we have not gone in about 3 years. It was really crowded but we enjoyed our time and all the kids did great with the whole "waiting" process. Even Jack did not have a melt down even though we dragged him on Pirates of the Caribbean and other dark, loud rides.

Sorry for the random order I did not feel like figuring which one to go first so it would come out in reverse order.

Our only family picture at Rainforest Cafe which ended our night. Wait time 1.5 hours.

We ate upstairs right up against this fish tank.

Our first ride was the rockets and we got stuck in the highest position tilted (I was trying not to panic but the kids were calm). Finally it descended and the ride started over again.

Carter turns 7!

Carter and his pirate friends

The Cake

Mommy and Jack

Carter blowing out his candle

Santa Clarita Half Marathon

Hi, it’s Steve. On Sunday Elizabeth and I ran the Santa Clarita Half Marathon. I only lasted 3 miles due to an ankle injury. Elizabeth on the other hand had great day. She improved her time by over three minutes. One good thing about not being able to complete the race is that I was able to take some pictures of her finishing. I especially like the 2nd one, which shows her mom Mary cheering her on. Good job Elizabeth, we love you.

Please pray for Malachi Smith and his family

You can read updates on Malachi Smith who is 3 and suffering from Leukemia for the 3rd time. His days are numbered by our Lord and His family is trusting in our Savior.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/malachismith

His Truth is sinking in little by little

Not many posts now that school is in session but I was encouraged by these comments from the kids so I thought I would post. Today when I was introducing Carter's spelling list we came to the word "keep". I said like we need to keep God's Word in our hearts. He then recited his verse from Sparks "For whoever shall keep the the whole law and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." I guess I have it memorized too since we have been reviewing these for the past year. Just when our hearts as Moms need a little reminder that we are doing what God has called us to and that the fruit may not be seen for years to come He chooses to refresh us with these moments with our kids.

We have been sick for a while now and Katy and Carter often ask if they are still sick (motive is to see if they can play with friends or what activities they are eligible for). Well today Katy said she is coughless. I thought that was a funny word to use so I asked here where she learned that. She said it was like the word sinless, because Jesus is sinless. It's fun to see how their mind put concepts together and really they are much more observant than we realize. Keeps us in check to see what we are having them exposed to in our lives and the world around them.

Well our lunch break is over now...

I love my Mom

I put a picture of me and my Mom on the blog in honor of what a special woman she is. While it may not be the best one of us, we ladies are usually the ones taking the pictures so it's rare that we are together in a photo. She is a great friend, and grandma too and we praise the Lord for the joy she brings to our lives.

My boys

Carter and Jack's new favorite activity together is going around on the toy car in the house. Jack actually pushes Carter at times on the hard floors. I just love how my boys love each other to pieces. They are so delighted to be together most of the time.

Katy turns 5!

Hard to believe our little girl turned 5 on August 31st. Time goes way to fast. We celebrated with a tea party and several close friends. My Mom helped me plan and make is extra special. Carter came as well as we had a change in plans but it turned fun. On Katy's actual birthday there's was not as much celebration but we did a special birthday breakfast with a candle.

Butterfly sandwiches

Pretty place settings

The ladies plus Carter

Joy in the journey

No pics this time...just thinking about how the weeks that are difficult are the weeks that you can look back on and laugh or see the nearness of the Lord where it may not have been that obvious if they were a breeze. I am thankful the Lord is near to those who call on Him. I am thankful for my oldest boy who always tells me I am beautiful and the best Mom ever. Tonight when I tucked him in bed he wanted 2 kisses cause one just wasn't enough. They are so quick to forget our impatience towards them or how we didn't take the time to listen to something that interested them because we needed to wipe the counter or something so insignificant. Do you sometimes feel like you have so much growing up to do and your kids are growing too fast? I guess there are certain times when I am sick and need to slow down that I take more time to ponder where I am at and what needs fixing in my own heart. My children for sure reveal the depths of it, and while it is painful I am thankful for their sanctifying influence on my life.

The last couple weeks

Always need a baby bath picture

We celebrated Daddy's birthday on the 9th of August. We went out with his parents and then enjoyed a nice evening at a park. Here is Jack on a swing there.

Steve opening a book he asked for. The kids had fun decorating the wrapping paper.

Grandma Rose and Katy at Woodranch for Daddy's birthday lunch (sorry no pictures of the birthday boy at lunch...I was not very good this year)

Sunset from the Park that evening

We also did a trip to my parents in August. This is my Dad, Carter and Steve before their

go- carting trip.

This is the sheep we see off of Hwy 65 on the way to my parents

Our trusty driver

Happy Jack on our trip

Katy and care bear

Carter zonked out from the dramamine he has to take (at least his mouth in not open)

COC race continued...

Katy waiting for the race to start

Daddy finishing his last race of the season which was last night

All the runners on the first part of the course that goes through campus

Mommy before her race a couple weeks prior

Daddy ready for the same race. Notice something funny? We both came out with the same colors on so Steve was nice enough to go put on a different shirt so we didn't match and look like twins. Our friends took the kids for a couple hours so it could be a race date. (not so romantic but a good workout)

We had such a great time at the beach in Ventura a few days ago. I love the view and soaking in the sun but still can't quite get used to the sandy grim and the buckets of sand in the car when we get home. The kids on the other hand love the sand and even Jack buried his face in it with delight. As you can see the two younger ones crashed on the way home.